gnaw — to bite or chew something persistently
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to bite or chew something persistently
Pronunciation (IPA): /nɔː/
Example Sentences
- My hamster loves to gnaw on everything - my homework, my shoes, and even my mom's favorite curtains!
- The worry about the exam results continued to gnaw at her mind.
- Rats had gnawed through the cable, causing the entire building to lose internet.
gnaw
VERB[/nɔː/]
to bite or chew something persistently
The puppy will gnaw on that shoe until nothing is left.
Sharp claw and teeth gnaw better than any old saw!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word gnaw derives from Old English 'gnagan', which has roots in the Germanic language family. It has been used for centuries to describe the action of biting or chewing persistently.
Breakdown
The word consists of the Old English root 'gnagan' (to bite, to gnaw), a Proto-Germanic verb related to similar forms in other Germanic languages meaning 'to bite' or 'to chew'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My hamster loves to gnaw on everything - my homework, my shoes, and even my mom's favorite curtains!”
“The worry about the exam results continued to gnaw at her mind.”
“Rats had gnawed through the cable, causing the entire building to lose internet.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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